The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.

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The most significant changes to our world are going on as we speak and will continue as millennials become our future leaders. Born between 1982 and 1993, there are over 80 million of them, which is larger than any other generation. They have been affected by the events of September 11th, the housing bust and the financial meltdown and have survived but with debt, student loans and no jobs. Millennials are tech savvy, diverse, connected and are activists for personal rights such as gay marriage and healthcare. While some consider them narcissistic and entitled, the reality is that they want to make a difference, have a positive effect on our lives and push business forward not back. Millennials are having a positive impact on our culture, workplace and government and we should recognize them for their efforts and support them so they are able to help revive the economy and build a better world.

Even despite a poor economy, millennials strive to give back to society. 81 percent have donated money, good or services, reports a study by Walden University and Harriss Interactive. They strive to support causes that align with their values and personal belief system. When Pew Research asked a sample of millennials what their priorities were, they said being a good parent, having a successful marriage and helping others in need. These were far more important to them than becoming famous, which only 1% chose as the most important thing in their life. Social networking has had a major influence on how millennials operate and assimilate. They use social networking sites in order to report crimes, raise money for non-profits and share insights and experiences.

Companies have also felt the pressure by millennials to evolve, especially because about one in every three employees in the U.S. will be a millennial by next year, and by 2025 they will become 75 percent of the global workforce. At some companies, such as EY, millennials already make up 60% of their workforce. Technology has ended the nine to five workday, crushed global communication barriers and create transparent offices. They have forced companies to rethink flexibility, meetings and cubicles. They also believe that business should focus on a societal purpose, not just be in business to make a profit. This is why you see so many millennial become social entrepreneurs or support their local non-profit - they always need to feel like they are touching someone and making an impact, regardless of their job title.

They are the reason why President Obama was elected for both terms. In a study I did in partnership with Internships.com for the 2012 elections, we found that 75 percent were interested in voting, which is 15 percent more than in 2008. 64 percent intended to vote for Obama and over half were interested in volunteering for a local campaign. Both candidates spent a lot of time and money trying to appeal to millennials and back in 2008, Obama worked with Chris Hughes, a millennial and a Facebook co-founder, in order to leverage social networking to reach them. They are also very defensive against internet freedom and protested the SOPA and PIPA acts, led by Alexis Ohanian, a Reddit.com co-founder, which turned out to be a success. As millennials start to take more government positions, we will finally see transparency, ethics and gain more freedoms than ever before.

Millennials require your help and support in order to make the world a better place. Mentor them, give them loans, hire them and most of all, treat them with respect. You were their age once and you know how complicated and tough life can be. Show them the way and who knows, you might just benefit as a result!